The animated series revolving around the Griffin family’s escapades, Family Guy endured over two decades since its debut in 1999. While it has since received immense success and has become one of the longest-running shows, its journey was almost cut short due to Fox’s initial concerns over ratings.
However, the network did not seem to make much effort to improve it, as suggested by the frequent time slot changes. Things only got worse with Season 3, with the network placing it in direct competition against the popular sitcom Friends. The move proved detrimental, landing a significant blow to the show’s momentum.
Family Guy Had to Face off Against Friends in TV Battle
Following a two-season run, Fox canceled the animated TV series Family Guy due to the low ratings before bringing it back for an additional season. However, after reviving the series for a third season, they scheduled it against the popular sitcom Friends.
“They put us up against Friends at one point,” Mila Kunis, who voices Meg Griffin in the series, said in an interview with MTV News. She shared how skepticism from higher-ups at the studio combined with the competitive time slot failed to improve the show’s viewership.
“Someone up high in a suit just didn’t believe in the show, and no one watched it,” Kunis further shared. The show was eventually canceled after Season 3, prompting Cartoon Network to buy rerun rights on Adult Swim, who strategically aired it in a more favorable late-night slot, where it thrived.
That literally saved the show. It’s amazing what happened. For a network that’s silly enough to cancel a show like this, you have to give them respect for [bringing] it back. I think because Family Guy now come back, there are more chances for shows to have that opportunity.
Despite its rocky start, Family Guy eventually returned with a fourth season in 2005 and has since become one of the longest-running TV shows, recently completing its 22nd season. The animated series is set to continue with its 23rd season expected to premiere in 2025.
Family Guy Cast’s Emotional Rollercoaster Following Show’s Cancellation
The cancelation of Family Guy after Season 3 received varied reactions from its cast. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Seth Green and the showrunner Seth MacFarlane shared their personal experiences and reactions.
Seth Green, who voices Chris Griffin, expressed his deep disappointment, saying, “I was devastated.” Following the cancellation of the show, he was keen on making everyone aware of the show by encouraging others to watch it with him.
I made sure I had every episode on VHS and I forced other people to watch them. We sat and watched all these episodes, and I was like, man, I got to make this. This actually existed.
However, showrunner Seth MacFarlane shared that he had nothing to compare it to as it was the first show he had ever pitched. He believed that it was typical for shows to get picked up and approached its cancellation with the same perspective.
“I was like Mr. Magoo driving that jalopy,” he said, reflecting humorously on his journey with the show at the time. MacFarlane also voices numerous characters on the show, including Peter Griffin, Stewie Griffin, and Brian Griffin.
Family Guy is available to stream on Prime Video and Hulu.
